Trouble-shooter's top question in '07? How to handle high fuel prices.

[MetroMPG]

You probably have an automotive columnist like this in your favourite newspaper: someone who takes questions from readers - usually technical issues - and offers advice in return.

I thought the year-end column from expert for the Ottawa Citizen was particularly interesting. He did a wrap-up of the most common gripes/questions, and guess what was the top reader gripe of 2007...

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How should I cope with high gasoline prices?

There's a reason why the $100 U.S. barrel of crude oil means so much in economic circles. It will quickly bring $100 fuel tank fill-ups for more of us than just pickup and highway tractor drivers.

To keep your transportation budget balanced next year, consider:

• downsizing the family fleet,

• carpooling one or two days a week,

• using public transit when possible,

• combining errands

• and slowing down to the speed limit.

Source: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/...f-b0fbda64fe6b

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I like that 2 of the 3 suggestions are driving tips, but I have to wonder just how many people would actually save money by downsizing their vehicles.

It almost always costs a significant amount of money to trade - and to recoup that expense through fuel savings the difference in consumption between the vehicles needs to be substantial.

[Silveredwings]

How should I cope with high gasoline prices?

I don't know ... maybe ... just MAYBE ... try to stop buying so MUCH of it.

[MetroMPG]

^ Seems obvious doesn't it?

But I've talked to a few people who believe that there is *nothing* they can do besides buying a different car. They don't link behaviour to fuel consumption (and I don't only mean driving behaviour).

[diesel_john]

i consolidate trips and use less when prices are high.
Less joy riding.
Use the most efficient vehicle for the job.
Shift up and throttle back.
Check brakes for drag.
And all the ecomodder stuff, of course.

[Frank Lee]

Minneapolis Star Tribune's automotive "expert" used to point everyone to big SUVs at every opportunity (you wouldn't believe how many pointy-headed idiots asked him what they should get junior for a first car). I wonder how he feels about that these days...?

[vtec-e]

Originally Posted by diesel_john

Shift up and throttle back.

I like that! It's kinda catchy!

[MetroMPG]

The way things are going with oil prices, I assume the top question that writer was asked in 2007 is going to be the same this year.

[gasexpertON]

I am just trying to budget my gas prices according to the market price and my weekly budget.

Judging from recent news articles though, it seems as if the gas is most likely to keep going up - esp in April and May, but luckily the high Canadian dollar is already restraining gas price hikes.

Canadian Tire gas locations seem to be cheap. They are also having a contest where you can win 1 of 3 $50,000 cash prizes and other great prizes.

(Just visit participating Canadian Tire stores and get a Game Card, and then you can enter as many times as you like, even online. It's called the 50K giveaway).